A site set up to inform all port employees new and relevant Unite union messages. Please feel free to comment on posts or use the links to email me.
Unite is the union for The Port of Felixstowe formerly known as Transport and general workers union or T & G.

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

UK finally wins Working Time Directive opt-out

The UK has finally won its right to retain the opt-out to the Working Time Directive.Talks on the European legislation broke down without agreement for the final time in Brussels last night, meaning employees will be able to continue to work more than 48-hours a week if they choose.MEPs have been trying since November to limit the amount of hours an employee can work , claiming that many people were being exploited.But the collapse in talks marks the end of the European Parliament's proposal to scrap the opt-out in three years.Employment relations minister Pat McFadden said: "We refused to be pushed into a bad deal for Britain. We have said consistently that we will not give up the opt-out and we have delivered on that pledge."Everyone has the right to basic protection surrounding the hours that they work, but it is also important that they have the right to choose those hours."Employers will be relieved at the news, as a cap on working hours could have led to staff demanding pay rises to make up the money they would have made under the opt-out.More than one in 10 employees work beyond 48 hours per week, according to government figures, amounting to three million staff.David Yeandle, head of employment policy at manufacturers' body the EEF, said: "Manufacturers will be relieved that they and their employees can now continue to use the individual opt-out from the average 48 hour working week following the collapse of discussions in Brussels last night."Retaining the opt-out will help employers to manage working time so that they can respond quickly and efficiently to changing customer demands and enable employees to choose to earn more by working longer hours." He called on the European Commission not to re-open negotitations.The opt-out dossier in its current form will be formally axed when the conciliation timetable reaches its official conclusion next month. The European Commission will then decide how to proceed.

About Me

My name is Andy Hussey. I have worked for the Port of Felixstowe for over five years. I started in warehousing and am now employed as a tug driver on Trinity.
Why did I apply for the position of workforce rep, and why am I standing as senior shop steward?
In the past I felt that the union was missing a link between them and the people that mattered. I feel passionately about keeping my work mates informed about union and health & safety matters. After getting the position of workforce rep I started this blog site. I use this as another tool for keeping port employees informed.
What do I plan to bring to the role of shop steward?
I aim to have a good working relationship with both management and workforce. I will continue to keep all divisions up to date on union and Health & safety matters through visiting the mess room and keeping the blog up to date.
I will carry on being honest and open, if I can’t answer your questions straight away I will do my best to get back to you.
I intend to bring the union at the Port of Felixstowe into the 21st century with the aid of my blogsite and email contact with the workforce.